Elections

2011

Riley is running for re-election in 2011. She is bracketed with incumbent John Burzichelli in the Democratic Primary on June 7. The top-two vote getters will advance to the general election on November 8, 2011.[3]

Campaign themes

On their shared campaign website, Riley and Burzichelli list the following five major campaign themes:

Protect South Jersey jobs

Excerpt: "John and Celeste are investing in local small businesses to protect jobs and grow South Jersey’s economy. John and Celeste are working to help small business owners by eliminating exorbitant fees, cutting red tape and providing other incentives."

Bring home our fair share of state resources

Excerpt: "With all the taxes we pay, South Jersey deserves more than budget leftovers. John and Celeste are a powerful voice making sure we get our fair share of state resources."

Cap state spending

Excerpt: "John and Celeste will push for zero-based budgeting, forcing bureaucrats to prove the merit of every dollar they want to spend."

Improve access to affordable health care

Excerpt: "...keep insurance affordable by reducing premium costs and lowering administrative expenses. They increased funding for local hospitals, and are committed to ensuring seniors living on fixed incomes can afford need prescription drugs."

Prohibit politicians from accepting gifts from lobbyists

Excerpt: "John and Celeste are neighbors and community leaders—not career politicians. That’s why they support legislation that prohibits politicians from accepting gifts from lobbyists. They are advocating for tougher election laws to keep corruption out of our state government."

GOP challenge

NJ Spotlight has identified the 3rd District as a potential place for the GOP to pickup a seat in the Assembly. Following redistricting, 4th District Republican incumbent Domenick DiCicco was moved into the 3rd district. He is running with Bob Villare, who came within 1,300 votes of defeating Riley in 2009. [4]